Florida Fossil Permit
Florida Statute 1004.57
Florida Statute 1004.57 sets forth the State of Florida’s declared intent to protect and preserve vertebrate fossils and vertebrate paleontology sites. All vertebrate fossils found on lands owned or leased by the state belong to the state with title to the fossils vested in the Florida Museum of Natural History for the purposes of administration. Field collection of vertebrate fossils may be conducted under the authority of a permit issued by the Program of Vertebrate Paleontology in accordance with FS §1004.575 and the University of Florida RULE 6C1-7.541 F.A.C. The purpose of the fossil collecting permit is not only to manage this non-renewable part of Florida’s heritage, but to help paleontologists learn more about the range and distribution of the state’s fossil animals.
The state intends to encourage preservation of its heritage wherever vertebrate fossils are discovered; the state encourages all persons having knowledge of such fossils to notify the Program of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Visit the site to Learn more about…
- What Areas are Covered?
- What Objects are Covered?
- Who May Obtain a Permit?
- Who Must Obtain a Permit?
- How is a Permit Obtained?
- What Obligations does a Permit Carry?
IMPORTANT NOTICE: DUE TO STAFFING ISSUES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PROCESSING OF NEW PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND RENEWAL OF EXISTING PERMITS WILL SOMETIMES TAKE SUBSTANTIALLY LONGER THAN USUAL. PLEASE ALLOW FOR THESE TO TAKE UP TO THREE WEEKS. PERMITS CAN BE ISSUED OR RENEW IN PERSON AT THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY’S DICKINSON HALL BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings take place at the Orlando Science Center, unless otherwise noted
- Saturday, April 20th
2pm Paleontology for Kids
3pm Meeting
FFH meeting at OSC
- Saturday, May 18th
2pm Paleontology for Kids
3pm Meeting
FFH meeting at OSC - 2024 Meeting Schedule Now Available
2024 FFH Fossil Fair
October 19 & 20
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